A Belated Blessed May Day

Yes for those of you who may be wondering, I am still kicking.  When I posted yesterday (just a favorite quote) I noticed the number of times I had posted thus far this year. It was few to say the least.  The month of April was only 1. 

Most of you know the reasons that keep me busier than before and why I have not been here as much as I would like to be.  Vincent is doing well.  The doctor appointments are fewer and farther between.  Although he is still under care it is a welcomed occurrence. He is back to work and so I do manage to have a bit of time to myself.  I have gained so  much respect for those who hold the name caregiver.

May Day was yesterday and a beautiful day it was.  A bit breezy yet that is to be expected in Oklahoma.  The cottonwoods are out in full force so my allergies are letting themselves be known in a wonderful manner.  We are well above our normal rainfall so everything is in full force.  It never ceases to amaze me the changes that come.  Last year we were in a major drought.  The temperatures were extremely high and everything was brown.  This year we are close to the opposite.  The abundance of color has been a wonderful gift.  It seems my flowers and such have never seemed more healthy.  My back porch has become my quiet place.  A place to calm myself when needed.

As always I am hoping to be able to drop by a bit more often then I have been yet I have learned not to promise things you are not sure of.  I have missed so many of you so much and the occasional email or comment I receive from you always lets me know that some friends can never be explained or replaced…. Blessings to all of you.  I hope that this finds you well and that our visits will become a bit more frequent.  Til then be safe….

Mumblings On A Friday

Well this weekend is said to usher in the beginning of summer. Unofficially of course. Yet Memorial Day is usually when most feel that summer has begun. I myself like to think of June 21 as the beginning of summer. It lends itself to making me think that summer is longer than what it may feel like some years. Yet like most I am already in the swing of summer.

The recent rains have finally started the grass to growing and mowing is quickly becoming a weekly if not more often chore. I do not mind this as I always enjoy my time on the rider mower with my ear buds deep in my ears listening to my music at high volume as I plow across the yard. It is an escape of sorts. Lost in the music and enjoying the smells and sites of nature.

Although the heavy rains filled our pond to its brim once again it also brought about a few friends that I could do without. A good share of snakes and snappers have come to reside in our little water hole. Something that I do not take too kindly too. I am happy with the many frogs we have yet the snakes and turtles... well they can go. Vincent works to keep them out as best he can and already he has taken some of both out.  Yet I noticed today as I was enjoying the morning that there are still some there. The trees and brush have been cleared enough around the pond so that it does not lend itself much to them residing for long yet I am not too keen on stepping upon one as I am strolling around my pond admiring the sites. I give my neighbors way too many things to laugh at. I do not need the scared of snakes dance to be another attraction.

I decided to transplant some of the wildflowers that grow so abundantly in our yard this year to some choice places where I could allow them to grow and not mow over them. This adventure has proven to be quite enjoyable and I think it may become one of my yearly traditions. I have always disliked mowing down so many of the flowers that grow each spring. I also bordered my yard with other perennials along the bottom where it meets the woods. I am hoping that they will create a colorful border as the years pass. One that does not need to be tended so diligently yet allows a nice splash of color as we sit on the back porch and look out.

As I have said previously it has been a bit of an odd year thus far. I being the thinker that I am, continually try to figure out the reason for the difference. Yet have not been able to put my finger on anything specific. It seems that life as of late is sort of scattered in so many arenas. Although there is no reason for it, there seems to be a bit of an uneasiness in me. Like I said I am a bit of an over thinker so I try not to over think this situation.  Still,  I am continually taken back to the same square of thought. I wonder if any of you have felt such things as this.

If so what are your conclusions on the topic? Or am I just being a bit of a silly and once again thinking and over analyzing way too much. I guess I can blame it on the pre menopausal events that have seemed to overtake me as of late. Goodness I never thought that turning 50 could be so much fun. (That is a sarcastic statement!!) Yet I refuse to allow a little thing such as age get me to a place where I feel sorry for myself and come to a conclusion that because of it I am unable to enjoy life anymore... 50 or not I am still going to have all the fun I can.

Well enough of the rambling....I leave you with this thought to ponder as the day continues.

Confront the dark parts of yourself,

and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness.

Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.

Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength

August Wilson

Enjoy the rest of the day. May blessings come your way

I'm Back... At least for a Bit

Good Morning all. It has been some time since I last wrote. Goodness well over a month. It seems like so much has been happening and unfortunately it seems that my blog has suffered the worst of it.

 

After a much needed vacation with my grandkids last March, I truly thought that when I arrived home I would have a bit of time to get ahead on some of the things that I knew may suffer once I started all the things that have occurred. Well needless to say I was far from right.

 

No sooner had I arrived home when I needed to get myself ready to go to my middle sons wedding. It was a wonderful event. A nice quiet small ceremony outside of DC in a little nook called The Inn at Little Washington. Wonderful food and fantastic company. They opted for a small gathering of just close family and will have their big reception in July after they return from their two month honeymoon of a trek around China plus a few other smaller countries nearby.

 

On arriving home once again I thought that there would be a bit of time to "catch up". Once again I was wrong and my mother's cataract surgery (both eyes over 2 two weeks) and the urgency of my garden and yard took most of the extra time I had. I am still trying to catch up in regards to my yard. The weather has been a bit crazy this year to say the least. We have not gotten the terrible storms that so many have had to endure yet the warmth is slow to come and the wind has been fierce. We received a meager amount of rain last weekend which even though it was minimal was nice as it helped to clean the months of dust that had accumulated in the air. I am hoping for a bit more this weekend yet am not going to hold my breath.

 

I considered asking for it yet after last week's occurrence in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia I am reluctant as May is the month when we in Oklahoma receive the largest amount of our tornadoes. I will continue to water my yard and pray for those who have suffered from the heavy hand of nature this spring.

 

Things are slowing down a bit. This last week I had it all to myself and I have to say it was a true blessing. Although once again I had big plans to get so caught up in regards to my blog and other things, I took a couple of the days to just work in my yard and play with my flowers. The quiet and simple sounds of nature were much needed. I also wanted to be sure that my gardens and such were in order for May day tomorrow. Although the weather man has informed us that it will be a cold blustery day with possible cold rain I still wanted the flowers to be tended and primped for the fae that may come and visited.

 

My peony bush finally bloomed this year. I was so excited when I say the blooms last week. I worried for a time that the wind may tatter it a bit. However I was able to cut two beautiful blooms to enjoy inside. I also found another pink peony bush on one of my many visits to the local garden stores. It was kind enough to also lend me a couple of its blooms to enjoy.

 

I am hoping to be back at a more frequent pace in the coming weeks. I will admit that I cannot promise anything as this has been a different kind of year. i am still trying to figure out why it is so array. I have missed so many of you and thank the ones of you who wrote and checked on me in my absence. It is always nice to know that one is missed. Wishing all of you a wonderful and safe weekend. And of course a wonderful blessed May Day.

Spring Update

Sweet Williams and Sage

After a bit of a cool spell over the weekend, I am fast preparing for the coming week and the upper 70 and 80 degree temperatures that are promised up via the local weathermen. Although they can be a bit off at times (this weekend for one) I am hoping that this forecast is spot on. 
 

Spring is definitely in the air everywhere you look. The forsythia is blooming in all its glory although my bushes are still nothing like the beauties they will someday become. I finally spied my first daffodil bud as well as the many tulips that are starting to come up. Soon the yard will be in full bloom and color will absolutely be everywhere.
 

We purchased our rototiller over the weekend and already I have plowed up the bottom for the flower seeds I intend to spread. I do not expect much color this year but in the years to follow it will be gorgeous.. A variety of bachelor buttons as well as shasta daisies and marigolds are my intentions. 
 

My next feat is to till up the ground for my intended garden. I have purchased a few seeds and will purchase my tomato and pepper plants on my return from my visit to the grandkids. I can hardly wait to get my hands into the dirt and play.

My first Swap is also fast approaching. I had a wonderful turnout of participants and can hardly wait to divide everyone up and commence with the goodie giving. I think I may have to make a quarterly event of this as it is quite fun. 
 

If you still want to get involved it will be open until tomorrow. Just click on the link in the upper right corner of my blog and leave a comment or shoot me an email with your mailing info. We would love to have you join in on the fun.

Spring Is In the Air

Yesterday many were singing “Love is In the Air”… yet today I have to say my song is Spring is in the air. As I did my morning walk around today, I was pleasantly surprised by a couple of wee crocus peeking out of the ground from beneath the pile of spent sunflower seeds that lay beneath my young oak . As I looked closer I could see more that are well on their way to blooming in the near future. A further walk around the pond showed me even more signs of spring’s nearness. The daffodil and tulip bulbs I had planted earlier last fall were breaking mother earth and starting their climb towards the warming sun.

Most of the snow that we had received the last week is melted. Only the snow that blew and formed the towering drifts still remain. Yet they too have melted considerably and will be a distant thought in the coming days. The weather is warming to the 70’s and possibly 80’s and I find myself craving to take my rake to the garden and clear the accumulated leaves that have blown and piled in the last few months. I know though that a spring snow could still come and the sweet Williams that are cradled beneath the warmth of the decaying leaves are tender and green and do not need to be uncovered so soon. So I will hold myself back a bit longer before I do too much.

The high winds during the winter storms loosened many of the small twigs and branches on the willows that surround the pond. I do have plans to gather them in the coming warm days. I have many ideas racing around my mind as to how I might put them to use rather than just get rid of them. Look for examples of these ideas in the coming weeks as I bring them to life. I have big plans for my garden beneath my fairy tree; many of which include the use of these twigs.

I am also planning a Spring trip to see the grand kids. It is still a few weeks away but I have to say I am excited. Yes I know it was just a couple months since last I visited but what can I say I already miss them. They all seem to grow so fast. It is hard to believe the my little Buddha (my nickname for my grand daughter) will be eight this year. The wee one is walking now so of course that will be fun. And lastly my little sushi pal (my oldest grandson) can’t wait for me to come so we can share a plate of edamane and some tuna rolls. Needless to say I am more than ready.

Have you seen any signs of spring approaching or has old man winter still got you in his grip. Do you have any big plans for your spring garden? In the coming week as the temperatures warm, I hope that the urgings that only spring can bring come to each and everyone of you. Blessings

Gifts from Mother - Nature that is...

It seems that as the weather has cooled somewhat, I am once again out in my garden as much as I can be. The recent rains have softened the earth up to a point where weeding once again is not as much of a chore as it is when the ground is parched and thirsty. This morning as I was weeding one of my many beds, I noticed large bulges underneath the cover that I had used earlier in the spring when I first started the garden. I thought that such a covering would be great as it would help tremendously with extra weeding. As I trimmed back the fabric I was amazed to find many of my cannas with shoots that had grown length ways as they were unable to pierce their way through my anti weed material. I guess it works…. Yet I am not sure if I will use it in the future. I could have far more glorious cannas to enjoy had I not been so afraid of the weeds that might sneak their way into my garden. Unfortunately I doubt that I will be able to enjoy any of the deformed tentacles that had grown in the dark; hopefully next season.

With Hurricane Hermine headed our way in the next couple days and promising to bring some much needed rainfall with her, I am eager to toss out some of my harvested seeds after her departure. The ground will be soft enough that I should only have to toss and gently walk over them. I do not do all of my planting in the fall yet last year I did some and was quite pleased with the turn out. Of course there will be my annual bulb planting which will occur later in October and November but for now I think I will toss a few seeds out this week and see what happens. I have plenty to spare that is for sure.

In the last couple years I have loved the multitude of flowers and herbs I have been able to grow simply because I have started to harvest my own seeds. They have also produced in abundance to the point that I have also been able to share my garden with others. At times it has been a bit of a hit and miss procedure. I liken it to the blind leading the blind but I have slowly learned a few tricks of the trade. The few wise gardening women I have been blessed with meeting along the way have helped lending me a few secrets and tricks of the trade. I have grown a few of my own little secrets also.

I have learned that some seeds are so small that if one does not put the flowers into a paper bag or other container as they dry that many of the seeds will be lost. After a couple days in a warm dry place the flower can be lightly shaken and most if not all of the seeds will fall into the container you have offered.

Seeds are often in plain sight. Take my sunflowers for instance. They are simply obtained by allowing the flower head to dry and then removing the seed. I usually cut and hang them upside down in a warm dry place. In fact this is the procedure I use with most of my plants. I have learned that if they are allowed to dry too long that removing them can be quite difficult and painful if gloves are not worn. I have also arranged the dried heads to hang from trees and use them as a source of bird food when I have had more than enough seeds to last me for the next season.

I have found the best method to store your little treasures is in a paper envelope. This is due mainly because they must be kept dry until they are planted. If the seeds are dried completely they can be kept in a glass jar, yet be sure that they are dry as any moisture will allow mold to start and thus the seeds will be ruined. Plastic bags or containers are also not a good idea as they also tend to trap moisture. The paper envelope helps to wick any moisture that may attempt to make its way in.

Lastly, some put their seeds into the refrigerator. This is not necessarily if you keep them in a cool dark place yet it will not hurt them either as long as you do not freeze them. It is thought that keeping the seeds in a refrigerator can up to double the life of one’s seeds. I do not worry about this much as I plant mine the next year anyway. Cultivating ones seeds from ones garden is not only economical it is also a way to perpetually expand ones garden; each year making it that much more beautiful and enjoyable. It is also a wonderful way to commune with nature and in some form give back to Mother Nature. I have found that working with the earth in such a way brings blessings of all forms.

Over the last few years I have always bought the beautiful mums in the fall and since I hate to waste anything each fall I plant any mums I have hoping that they will return to me the next year so that I can enjoy them again. I have never been able to get one to survive let alone bloom a second time. This year will be different. I bought a meager little purple mum last year towards the end of season and kept it in the house until finally after Samhain, I decided to once again attempt to replant it. This time I put it under my elm tree. This is the tree where we built the tree house for the grandkids as well as I have worked on clearing it out and working on a rock garden.

As spring came this year the sweet William were in abundance and in summer the Echinacea or coneflower was beautiful. As fall is setting to be upon us, I have noticed that the mum I planted last year is making its presence known. I had noticed that it did not wither and die and then small buds appeared all over it and the other day I realized that one of those buds had bloomed. I was ecstatic with joy. Most definitely the fae are helping me to tend these flowers and have blessed them greatly.

Wordy Wednesdays

Unfortunately the weather man was wrong once again. Although we did receive somewhat of a cool front over the weekend, the much anticipated moisture that was to have come with it did not show. As in most cases it visited all our surrounding neighbors except for us. Still I feel a bit of autumn in the air. I have been watching the birds as well as the trees and other vegetation and I feel like fall will make itself known not long from now.

As in years before the bug to start preparing for fall and the winter ahead is a strong feeling inside me. I have seeded many of my flowers that bloomed so well for me over the summer as well as some of my herbs as well. Once again I will plant some in the fall and the rest in the coming spring of next year. Many of my flowers which I planted in hanging baskets or pots on the porch were chosen with the intention of planting them in the yard before the year was out to enjoy them next year. This is also another task that I have to work on as I would like to give them some extra time to adjust to their move. I am also preparing my yearly flower bulb order for the new flowers I will add to my yard when October and November comes. I have started to decide on the Christmas crafts I will make for friends and family. I have even bought my first pumpkin. Yes I know that may be a bit early yet an occasional glance at it assures me of the appending arrival of fall and the time of the year I love best.

I am seriously considering preparing me a nice little plot for a garden next year. After my weekly visits to the Farmer’s markets and the prices of some of the things, I figure that I could do it much more economically myself. It would also give me an opportunity to share with those around me. The wonderful flavors of the summer should never be missed simply because one cannot afford the prices of fresh veggies. When I purchased my peaches in Tennessee I was able to get 2 full boxes for a mere $40.00. When I arrived home and wanted to purchase a few more here in Oklahoma they were close to $1.00 a piece. Simply ridiculous. I love to buy local yet when I can make a good excuse to go and visit my grand kids and also get a good buy, I call that a fantastic deal.

I had so much fun with my anniversary giveaway that I decided to do another one for the remainder of the month of August. Be sure and check out my Eat Pray and Love giveaway. I am looking forward to personalizing the goodie box for whoever wins. I already picked a couple tidbits up today while in town to toss into the box. I have way too much fun with these giveaways and constantly have ideas tossing around in my head. I have met so many wonderful people via them.

I also realized that I have not been out and about with my camera much this summer. Usually by this time of year I would have showered my posts with photos of my garden and such. Yet the heat has kept me in more than I would like and I have not been the shutter bug that I usually am. I did manage to shoot a couple photos of my pet dragon fly who visits me each evening as well as a big garden spider that spun a beautiful web near the pond. After reading a book on the attributes of spiders I am doing my best to allow them to flourish at least outdoors. The one thing I wish they would help me with though is my grasshopper issue… They have brought havoc to much of my garden.

Yet as anyone who has ever had a garden knows…. They are continuously a work in progress and there is always something more to do. In saying that, I had best take advantage of the cooler time and spend some time with my little piece of nature. Happy hump day to all of you. Blessings

My Week In Review

Finally it is Friday. Although really I am not sure if that makes any difference to me anymore. Since I no longer work outside the home, I am home all week long, making the days sometimes run together. I wake up some times not sure what day it may be. There was a time when I could depend on Vincent’s work to keep me on schedule. Yet as with most jobs his has cut back somewhat. I love the fact that he is home with me more, although sometimes it really cuts into me getting all my things done. He has been off for the last 10 days and let’s just say that this morning for some time I truly thought it was Thursday.

Since I have been a bit void of blogland as of late, I thought I would give an update on what has been keeping me away. So here goes….

It has been a busy week. Working outdoors in the yard for the most part. With the temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 90s I have had to water my plants every other day. And like I have said in earlier posts, I created quite a garden to water. Yet still yesterday I could not pass up a great buy on some beautiful gerber daises, so this morning I was planting once again. With Vincent being home this last week he has been able to also help with the laying of rock in my fairy garden. When it is all finished I will be sure and share some photos with you.

The wildflowers also started to come up around the pond and needless to say it is gorgeous. Everyday day there is more color. This morning we drove the country side and occasionally stopped to cut flowers/seeds to take home and plant. Sometimes in the evening when I sit on my back porch and look out over the pond as the breeze sways the willows I am in amazement of the peacefulness of our little place. Although we have talked times about maybe moving someday, I know that if that day ever comes I will be so very sad to leave.

Another thing I learned this week was that there is the possibility that we will not get to have the grandkids this summer for a mini vacation. My son in law is to deploy to Afghanistan and they want to spend as much family time together as possible. I do understand yet will miss the time with them… Yet as I stated this is not a definite thing yet so…. Keep tossing some positive thoughts my way.

Also this week, Sunny gave me a couple of adventures to share with him. First was the feeble attempt I made to rescue a bird from his clutches. Of course I failed and like me being the sentimental sap that I am, I could not let him eat it once I seen it. Then later on the same day, he was chasing another bird whom when I saved, I thought I could nurse back to health. A small chickadee whose only issue seemed to be a damaged wing was quickly put into my bird cage to recuperate. When I checked in on him this morning, I realized that he was wounded worse than I thought and later he passed. After cutting the wood for 2 small coffins as well as 2 crosses, I assembled them and laid Sunny’s victims to rest.

On the creative side I have been dabbling in many new ideas from painting, to writing, to working with dried flowers. Hopefully I will be able to share some of my creations with you soon. I did notice that my one year anniversary is coming up quickly. In July to be exact. Be on the lookout for a big giveaway. I have so enjoyed this last year with all of you. So many great friends and wonderful wisdom has been sent my way, I want to give a little back. I am planning on announcing all the details later in June so come back periodically to check it out… I can assure you it will be a doosey of giveaway.

So with that said, I wish you all adieu. Sending you warm wishes and happy thoughts. Take a little time to enjoy your weekend and don’t forget to hug someone. I am off to tie and hang my Echinacea treasures I found today.

So Much To Do...... So Little Time

It seems that no matter how hard I try these days I cannot get all the things I wish to do in a day completed. I know it is probably because I have way too many things on my to-do list. And of course I am easily distracted by other things which are not on my list. It is a bad habit of mine, I will admit it. Yet it is hard not to venture outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather as well as all the color that is present these days. I have to do it at least once or twice a day and sometimes more. Luckily I do have Winston to use as an excuse. I am not proud of it, but what can I say.

I love the mornings especially as the sun is just rising and making its way up from the horizon. The sounds of daybreak are some of my favorite. I am an early riser which yes makes me a morning person. What can I say… I know there are those of you who appall people like us… You know those who rise at the crack of dawn and sometimes before. Winston like me is also a morning being. He does his morning business while I start the coffee. Then we sit on the porch and enjoy the whippoorwills calling one another for a bit. The air has been dry as of late and that makes for some cool mornings. The hot coffee helps  with the early morning chill.

With all the extra planting I have done this season, I have plenty to tend to each day. I am a bit worried as the days become warmer. I know that I will be watering like crazy. Yet I guess there is always a price for beauty. Over the weekend we ventured to the moms to visit and I once again gathered more flowers to plant. I dug up some grape hyacinths in my mother’s yard as she has literally hundreds of them everywhere. In the spring it looks like she has purple carpet. I also went to the local cemetery. It lies at the end of a narrow road outside of town. On each side of the road are thousand of corn flowers. They range in a various colors from that beautiful corn blue to light and dark purple, pink and white. I managed to gather a large bunch to replant here at home as well as reseed. Once again adding to the never ending to do list I have.

Besides the additions, I still have a couple hibiscuses, a columbine, and some elephant ears and I think my planting will be completed for the season. Of course there is the quart jar of mixed seeds I need to scatter around the pond and the 2 gallon bags of marigold seeds that I still have not put out. But we will not talk about that at the moment. 

So with all that said I probably had best get busy with my day, as there is a lot to do. Blessings to all of you and may your day be filled with sunshine and color.

The Happy Gardener

Spring makes its own statement,

so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer.

~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

It seems this year that spring has taken its sweet time. Yet when it finally did decide to arrive it truly made a grand entrance. I am not sure if it was just the fact that I have been yearning so for it, yet it seems to me that this year is quite different than most. As I look out and see how Mother Nature is behaving it appears that instead of having a leisurely come and go event she has decided this year to have one big blow out party.

Everything seems to be blooming at the same time. Pollination of trees, grasses, weeds, and flowers seem to all be occurring in unison. Although this party has been playing havoc with my allergies, I have to admit that I am quite enjoying it. It has been some time since the colors have been as brilliant as they appear to be now.

It finally seems that the warm weather has come to stay so I have finally started my planting. Completely new varieties of flowers have been purchased and are currently being strategically placed throughout my yard and in the various gardens. The many others that were planted in years past have begun to sprout up everywhere. I am finally seeing some noticeable results from my previous efforts. Still this year I tried only to purchase perennials, with the exception of a few annuals that I plant in the pots around the back porch. Columbine, English daisies, Bleeding hearts, blanket flowers, and so many more still needs to be planted.

The Willows have leafed out nicely and are already lending their song to my afternoons when the breeze blows. They have always been one of my favorites in the summer. As the south breeze blows across the waters and through the willows one cannot help but relax. The frogs also have returned. I was somewhat worried last fall as it seemed that some of the larger ones disappeared earlier than normal and I feared that they may had been harvested by some of those who have admired their size and eatability. (I am not sure that is a word) Yet it seems that most of them are back with us and just as large as ever.

It has truly been a wonderful spring thus far, well worth waiting for.

Here Comes The Sun - And Its Alright

What can I say I spent the bulk of my day outside yesterday. The sunshine and the upper 60 degree temperatures were too much of a temptation. I had to succumb to them. There is so much I have wanted to do in my yard and although I can not quite do everything, I am able to make a good start at it.

It is truly so therapeutic to spend some time in the sunshine. I myself like to have my hands in a pile of dirt which I intend to do today. I found some wonderful cannas bulbs yesterday when I ran to town that I had to pick some up. The ones I have planted now are the orange yellow blend. So I purchased some darker reds and pinks to blend in with them. I also intend to start that project of clearing out under my elm for the fairy garden I intend to build. All in all I should be kept busy today and get my recommended supply of vitamin D from the sun.

I will say that I did not forget my blog entirely yesterday. I rose early near 5 am yesterday with full intent of getting all my writing and such out of the way. Yet the bulk of my morning was spent working with my computer in regards to the fact that I may have been infected with some nasty virus. After 3 and half hours I said forget this and commenced with the rest of my day. I decided to wait until my son gets back from Mexico next week and talk to him about what is going on. Yea, he is once again gallivanting off to have fun. The snow in DC started to wear him and his girlfriend down and they escaped. They were even sweet enough to ask Vince and I to come along yet Vince’s job did not allow him the time off. And well, mother in tow just did not sound like a good idea… I mean really I would like to have a little fun.. And when you don’t have your sweetie with you, enough said. Back to my virus issue. Hopefully it is not anything serious. Yet it is a good excuse to start looking at that Mac I have been wanting for some time.

I would like to thank all of you for the lovely comments that you left on my post for Wednesday in regards to the empty nest. I will say that I am a momma at heart. Sometimes I think it is what I was brought mainly to this world to do. It is easy to momma those who are not your own. One is usually much more lenient and the sheer fact that you are not their true mother sometimes seems to make them like you that much more. That being said, the post was inspired by a disagreement that I had with my daughter. Sometimes no matter how hard you attempt to communicate it just does not make sense.

The post was very cathartic for me. I am also happy to say that we managed to work things out. I am often reminded that the scars of divorce can last a lifetime. I do not know why this seems to surprise me when it involves my children. I still feel the loss from my parent’s divorce yet that is an entirely different set of circumstances. I guess I like to think that I try my best to do all it is that I may need to do. Yet every situation is different, a set of occurrences all its own. Thank you again for listening. Amazing how some of the comments seemed to be directed directly at the situation without even knowing what it was. But that is evidence of the sweet morsels of wisdom that come to us when we need them if we only keep our ears open and listen.

Well enough of my ramblings…. Time to get my day started. It is time to go outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. I am eager to shovel up a little dirt and plant those cannas. Hope that everyone’s weekend is a delightful one and that each one of you are blessed with a visit from Mr. Sun. Blessings

What Makes Me Happy - You Really Think You Are Ready For This?

Faerwillow over at Serendipity was a dear and gave me this award.  Her blog is always uplifting and full of wonderful things.  With receipt of this award I am to offer up to my readers 10 things that make me really happy.  Have to say there are probably much more than 10 things, yet at the moment this seems to be the things that are on my mind the most..  And Away We Go............

The first thing that comes to my mind when you speak of happiness has got to be my grandbabies.  They are such a big part of my life as well as such a wealth of smiles, love, and laughter.  I still have not figured out the complete secret of being a grandparent yet I know that there is something incredibly special about it.  It give a feeling inside of you that is unique all to its own.  Plus I just love the simple ways of a child.  They are so open to the world and accepting without question.  They have yet to be mucked up by all the sinicism of the world.  It is refreshing and delightful to experience their bare truth of reality.

The second thing that makes me happy is my Vinnie.  Funny how I have truly been in love with this man since I was 7 years old.  I just wish I had had my pushy ways back when I was younger.  Maybe I would not had to have waited until I was 42 to have married him.  He has brought me more love in the last 5 and half years of being together than I think I have had in all the years before.  He truly is my soulmate and best friend.  My very own Captain Morgan... what else could a girl ask for. 

Music runs a close number three with of course Matthew Bellamy of Muse being at the forefront of that.  I mean really girls the boy believes in fairies.  Music has always been an important attribute to my life.  It inspires, lifts my spirits, makes me cry, and makes me want to dance like a crazed loon.  Yes, I can get down with my bad self, believe it or not.  I think I will have the same feelings as well as the same closet groupie fetishes til the day I die.  From George Harrison of the Beatles to Mattie.... I will "forever" love the boys in the band. 

Friends and family come in next.  Goodness where would we be without this one.  Over the last year I have realized the important of both of these groups.  Whether they are right next door to you or clear across the pond, they still mean as much to you and can have just as much influence and impact on your life.  A true friend is hard to find and sometimes impossible.  I feel that as of late I have been blessed with several.  And that can do nothing but make me happy.

Cooking is another thing that makes me happy.  Let me feed someone and that is my way of telling them I care.  Not sure why I am like that, I think I get it from my mother.  Although since she learned I can cook she doesn't cook for me as much.  Just ask my kids they will tell you that I love nothing more than to shove food down ones throat.  A little melodramatic there... although my daughter swears I fed them too much as kids... Always having cookies and cakes baked.  What can I say... it is one of my many ways of saying I love you.

Full moons and fairies.  Yea I know this is two things yet to me I tie them together often.  I have always loved to gaze at a full round moon as it rises in the sky at night.  To feel its energies pulsating from it.  I have forever been a moonchild and feel extremely close to her.  As for the fairies, the wee folk have always been dear to me.  It saddens me that people truly do not believe in them anymore yet I can understand why.  They represent something that is unseen to most and therefore can be unproven.  Ah to be caught in a world where you can not believe what you can not see.    Something that definitely does not make me smile....

Nature and all her glory of course makes me smile and tremendously happy.  From the strength and wisdom of a tall aged oak to the soft touch of a gentle breeze.  There are so many facets of this area that truly touch my soul.  I have learned so much from the out of doors.  It is what is truly real.  It holds so many secrets for us if we only but listen to her.  Its stories are ageless and offer to us the answers to so many of the questions we often ponder. 

My garden makes me happy.  Over the last several years I have planted and nurtured several flowers, trees, etc.  It is now coming to the stage where it is starting to shine.  It has been a wonderful experience for me to learn.  Although the feel of the earth under my feet or the touch of fresh soil excites me in a way that only another gardener can understand.  The excitement of that little green sprout peeking out of the ground or the first bud on a rose bush makes me beam... I thank my grandma and grandpa for this love of the earth as well as Thelma Pate, a woman who taught me the love of a beautiful flower at a very young age. 

My camera and my love of photography makes me smile.  It goes with me everywhere and has brought me a form of satisfaction I had not experienced before.  It has taught me creativity, uniqueness and the means to accept myself as an artist. 

Lastly what makes me Happy?  Me Myself and I.  I have learned to love myself and who and what I am.  I can laugh at my shortcomings and not be too hard on myself... I love life and all that it has to offer.  I guess in a way Life makes me happy.  Sure it has its pitfalls and such but there truly is always something positive to be gained from everything.  No matter how cliche that sounds.  I have learned to lean towards the positive side of all things and in the end all will be better for it.  Not to dwell on the negative or the trivial as it will only bog you down and keep you from enjoying the goodness that surrounds you.  Now I have to send this on to 10 more people.  First let me say that I am not necessarily a lover of question and answer things such as this yet this one has been a bit of a blessing to me.  It made me focus on a bunch of positive  things and also made me realize that there is much more than just 10 things... In saying this I pass this on to 10 people whom have inspired me with their stories, their teachings and their lives.  People whom have made me happy .  I hope you have as much fun doing this as I have had;  PS:  Lyon, Rue and Mary:  I would send this to you yet see you already had it sent to you.... All three of you have made me smile several times as well as lift my spirits and taught me much... blessing to you. 

So in no specific order:

Tracy from Witch Path to Take

Bridgett from Doug and; Boo Plus 2

Iris from Iris Awakened

Sugar and Spice from Sweet and Sour Witches

Nan from Ole Crows Nest

Dede from Brightest Blessings

Birgit from Swapping Howdies

Bella from Memoirs of A Crazy Witch

Linda from Old Baggs n Stuffed Shirts

Lucy from Secrets for Happyness

Love all of you and Faerwillow, thank you so much for sending this my way.... Blessings to all of you.